FEBRUARY 2023 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: Long-term, Bible-based ministry
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1) Thank you, Father, for those who have trained for gospel service and have offered to serve in mission. May all their work be grounded in the words of the Bible. We ask that you continue to teach them sound doctrine, and equip them for many years of faithful ministry in the Lord Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Thursday 2 – Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
Pray with Mike and Katie Taylor for a good start to the new semester; that God will be glorified by how the college community live for Jesus, guided by his words. Pray with Arthur and Tamie Davis for the TAFES staff retreat this month, that it would be a unifying time. Praise God with Andrew and Margaret Newman for precious family time over the last few weeks and pray for effective preparation as deputation gets into full swing at the end of this week. Give thanks with Norm and Janelle Gorrie for trainer Tim Thorburn’s visit to train pastors to identify and coach gospel ‘apprentices’. May Kenyan Christian leaders continue to be empowered and mobilized to mentor potential future pastors. Pray with Anna Radkovic for continued joy and learning God’s grace as she prepares to go to her new location.
Friday 3 – North Africa, DR Congo, Seychelles and Ethiopia
Pray that M’s team may encourage one another and persevere in unity through a busy time. Pray that David and Jenny Juniper would be ambassadors for peace; and that the Prince of Peace would have mercy on the broken and divided people of the DRC. Pray with Ryan and Lynn Verghese that they might wrap up their time well in Australia, and that the 18+ hour transit to location would be pleasant for all five family members. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Anwar Berhe and Tsigereda Atankir for continuing joy as gospel growth continues in a time of civil instability.
Saturday 4 – Singapore, Timor-Leste and Philippines
Pray with Marty and Jenny Foord that the ETCAsia faculty will bond well as good friends, love each other, work well together, and be godly models for the students. Pray with Christopher and Julie Dean for Chris as he writes Bible talks in the Tetun language. Pray particularly for good insight into how to express gospel truths well in Tetun. Pray with Howard and Michelle Newby for wisdom as they teach the Bible to rural kids and youth, also for great connections as Howard begins preaching monthly in a mountain indigenous church. As Ian and Narelle Hadfield start the Chinese New Year, pray that the Lord’s people will commit themselves to faithfully serving the Lord. Pray with Chris and Grace Adams as they begin visiting link churches and supporters. Pray for Micah and Emily as they start school and kindergarten in Australia for the first time.
Sunday 5 – South East Asia
Pray with K for a young believing local woman with chronic health issues, for a path forward for her treatment and spiritual growth. Pray with J as she continues to teach some influential government workers, that God will grant her grace and a spirit of helpfulness. Give thanks with L and C as they are expecting their second child in June. Pray with N for wisdom, energy, and godliness as she juggles language learning, teaching, and managing a language centre. Pray with I as she gets to know the students in the January-June semester, that she will quickly have a rapport with each class, and that those who are seeking spiritual truth will seek her out. Pray with Malcolm and Leanne as College gears up for second semester—that those in their last semester on campus will study well, not just to get over the finish line but to be well prepared for a life of ministry.
Monday 6 – Cambodia
Praise God with Tim and Olivia Mulherin as they come up to one year on location. Pray for continued language development, especially for their boys—Ben, Will, Daniel and Josh. Pray with Maggie Crewes as she communicates with churches around SA about the work she and her team are doing in Cambodia, and the challenges of sharing her faith with those from a Buddhist culture. Give thanks with Jeremy and Jill Horrocks for time spent with Wyong Anglican church during deputation. Pray for Canberra Mission Focus which begins this Friday. Pray with Matthew and Melissa Lindfield Seager for HOPE offsite camps, the first since 2019. Pray for safety for all involved, spiritual development for the students, and cohesion between students.
Tuesday 7 – Cambodia
Thank God with Maurice and Amanda Jacobson for the ‘100 years of Christianity in Cambodia’ celebrations that took place last month. Please pray for those whose interest in Jesus has been piqued. Pray with Dave and Leoni Painter that God will continue to graciously provide through times of ongoing health challenges. Pray with Craig and Samantha McCorkindale that all the staff at the Bible school will be held by the grace of Jesus and serve faithfully in their role at this important institution for Cambodia.
Wednesday 8 – South East Asia
Pray with Julie that she would make good use of her final month of formal language school, and make wise plans for ongoing language development. Pray with Rebekah that the end of language school will mean the beginning of further learning and gospel opportunity. Pray with Jon and Deborah for renewed and healthy relationships for Simeon with his soccer team mates (after many months off with an injury). Pray too for truth filled conversations for Jon and Deborah with the other soccer parents. Pray with Josh and Nici for patience in learning language, and that they can find and settle into a good church.
Thursday 9 – South East Asia
Thank God with Nick and Rebekah for our unchanging God in this turbulent world. Give thanks with Andrew Buchanan and Abi Tandiseru for times of refreshment, and pray as Andrew begins a new semester of teaching. Pray that Rowan will have wisdom, discernment and energy as he continues to settle into the rhythm of the new year. Pray that Chris and Erin would continue to make good progress in their language and culture learning.
Friday 10 – Development and Training
Ask God for good health and strength and trust in Jesus for each of the SAH staff members. Pray for new MiTs Adam and Avril Friend, W and S, and Lauren Raiter. Pray for the Mentac trainees continuing and starting out in 2023, for a great sense of unity in the mission of God and strong connections in the local community.
Saturday 11 – Spain and Malta
Pray with Jim and Tanja French for Jim’s language learning to be encouraging; for the MOCLAM students to restart their classes with enthusiasm and for wisdom for the Frenches as to how much to take on. Give thanks with Miriam Bradshaw for Jesus, and pray that young Christians in Spain would be keen to invite their friends to church and youth group to hear about him. Give thanks with Chris and Kristy Galea for a good start to term 2 for their kids and for the way they have embraced school in Malta. Pray for confidence as they begin a new phase of language learning, which is pushing them out of the classroom.
Sunday 12 – Italy and Germany
Thank God with Simon and Jess Cowell that all the GBU groups in southern Italy are having their first ever Winter Camp at the end of February. Pray that it will be well-attended, and that together students might be encouraged and strengthened in their witness to Jesus on campus. Pray with Jason and Hannah Fairclough that God will supply their needs for health, strength and hope. Pray with Co-Mission Partner (CoMP) Andrea Becciolini that students might continue to build on gospel opportunities that came up over Christmas and the new year. Pray with Gillian Law for international exchange students who join GBU and learn and share Jesus while they are at university in Rome. Pray for good farewells for those returning home, and good welcomes to those just arrived for semester two. Pray with Klaus and Jude Hickel that they would hold fast to Christ and his wonderful promises. Pray with CoMP Jotham Booker that God will help him to ‘preach, pray, love, and stay’ in his home church of Karlsfeld (Christliche Gemeinde Karlsfeld).
Monday 13 – France and Slovenia
Thank God with Karina Brabham for the students who have been coming to the GBU Bible discussion group in Poitiers. Pray that God would be transforming their hearts and minds as they engage with his word. Thank God with Colin and Catherine Puffett, with February marking the first full year of holding ‘celebrations’ (large group gatherings) on the island within Nantes. Praise God for clear signs of growth. Pray with Josh and Susannah Apieczonek for a key couple in their church plant dealing with the health complications of their newborn baby. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Bostjan and Lidija Cifer that they will experience the joy of ministering the gospel in both easy times and hard.
Tuesday 14 – Eurasia, Belgium and The Netherlands
Give thanks with J and P for a time of refreshment and encouragement including a visit from a family member. Pray with R that she will have wisdom, in discussions with CMS, about the year ahead. Give thanks with David and Cathie Sandifer for the privilege of serving at Tyndale, and for the opportunities which keep opening. Pray for the classes David will be teaching this semester, especially a new one called ‘Theology for Life’. Pray with Michael and Rani Grivas-Allison that God would continue to make a way for them to Belgium, and that He would enable them to live faithful lives that shine forth Jesus in each step of the process. Thank God with Howard and Patricia Spencer for the recent HERAUTS gospel conference, and pray that it will result in continuing growth in trust between pastors and university student groups in gospel ministry.
Wednesday 15 – South Asia
Pray with Bruce and Libby for Bruce preparing an MA subject in ‘mentoring’. Pray also for the small group learning mentoring, and applying what they learn to ministry amongst students. Pray with Co-Mission Partners (CoMPs) Sam and Sharmila for daughter Isabel’s complete healing from allergies and a lingering cough. Pray with CoMPs Jiwan and Binita for political stability and gospel opportunity in a time of change. Give thanks with Gordon and Ruth for opportunities to show Christ’s love to patients at mission hospitals in South Asia, and pray that the Lord will enable the churches to fulfil their vision of establishing a mission training centre. Pray with CoMPs Ashish and Karuna for Karuna, as she continues her PhD and assists in developing biblically based counselling.
Thursday 16 – South Asia and Central Asia
Pray for A in language learning: for joy to persevere and for grace to speak more eloquently. Pray with E for opportunities to have spiritual conversations with neighbours on her street. Pray with J and S for J as he prepares to finish up his time of exclusive language learning, and takes up a role as an NGO consultant. Praise God with M and K that their very close friend is able to visit this month (the boys are very excited for the visit). Pray for spiritual conversations through these times. Pray with K for a good transition to a new role, and for open gospel relationships with neighbours.
Friday 17 – Middle East and South Asia
Pray for wisdom for J’s team as they consider how to partner with locals to multiply disciples. Pray with Dan and Marg for good staff for the Academy, who will be obedient to the two great commandments to love God and love neighbour. Pray with Derk and Susan that Derk will enjoy good health, and ongoing gospel passion in all his relationships with faculty and students. Ask God to stir and convict the hearts and minds of Susan’s students as they study grace, repentance and faith. Pray with S and M for wisdom about who to visit and spend time with, when every day people are asking them to come and drink coffee together. Pray with Malcolm and Charissa Forrest for their church’s AGM later this month, as the next Church Council will have to oversee a transition to a new minister. Pray with Co-mission Partners Tim and Sam that God will give them joy in his service and supply all their needs.
Saturday 18 – Middle East
Pray with C this month that God would give courage and ability to give simple medical/mental health explanations in Arabic. Pray with J for believers to live salty (Matthew 5:13) lives among families and neighbours who are closed to Jesus. Pray with S and P that P will make new friends and contacts amongst women in her location. Pray with B for believers of Muslim background: for conviction and growth in maturity; for spiritual protection; and for their families to also become followers of Jesus. Pray with M for progress in medical and spiritual language, and for continuing wisdom about decisions for future ministry. Pray with Craig and Lisse for continued joy in gospel service as they adjust to the many recent changes.
Sunday 19 – Middle East
Pray with Morgan and Olivia for the ‘Equipping Class’ that Morgan is teaching on Christian Doctrine in February and March, every Sunday before church: that the participants would see wonderful things in God’s word and be equipped for his service. Pray with John and Deb for their return to ministry after seven weeks away, that they may pick up quickly with the many things God has been doing in their absence. Pray with Elizabeth that young adults at church think biblically about dating and how they make decisions about relationships (following on from a recent seminar). Pray with Karen for good link-ups with new believers and gatherings. Thank God with Ray and Sandy for ongoing restitution and growth within the staff team.
Monday 20 – CMS Australia
Pray for International Director, Peter Sholl and Regional Mission Directors, Elizabeth Richards, Chris Mitchell and Glen Turner continue with in-person pastoral visits. Ask God for protection and safety as they travel and good opportunities to support and encourage missionaries serving on location. Pray for Peter Sholl as he visits missionaries and mission partners in North Australia and Timor-Leste, and for Elizabeth Richards as she connects with workers in Western Europe.
Tuesday 21 – East Asia and Taiwan
Pray with E that she will use time for study both wisely and well. Pray with L that she will be filled with the joy of the Lord as she readjusts to her location. Pray with D and T that they will continue to find daily opportunities to speak of God’s grace to those who do not know him. Thank God with Sam and Shan-Shan Chrisp for their completed Home Assignment and pray for them as they adjust to life back in Taiwan. Ask that their kids adjust well as they switch back to schooling in Chinese.
Wednesday 22 – Japan
Pray with Matt and Jen Lim for the new hi-b.a. staff members (including Matt) who are preparing to start leading their own youth clubs from April (the beginning of the new school year). Thank God with Matt and Bex Ooi for their arrival in Japan. Pray for God to sustain them as they start to settle in and adjust to their new environment in Tokyo. Pray with Dave and Beck McIntyre for the upcoming Kansai Christian Women’s Conference on 6 March, as Beck leads the final preparations and MCs the day. As Steve and Sandra Parsons prepare for their return to Japan, pray that they will be conscious of God’s presence in all the circumstances they face during this transitional time. Pray with Adam and Helane Ramsay for continuing joy in God’s service as they re-settle into ministry following their Home Assignment.
Thursday 23 – Japan
Pray with Kellie Nicholas in this busy time of camps and conferences for energy and focus on what is important. Pray with Elle Bryce as she flies to Osaka and settles into my new home in Kyoto. Pray that the Lord will sustain both her and her loved ones as they prepare for this big change. Ask with Dene and Rachel Hughes as they re-enter Japanese life and ministry after Home Assignment that they will have insight and energy. Pray with Chenny Thie for a fruitful and encouraging time of home assignment and reconnecting with supporting churches in Sydney. Thank God with Nathan and Maki Clapham for those who have given generously over cold winter months towards ministry amongst the homeless. Pray with Roger and Noriko Dethlefs for students sitting University Entrance Exams amidst fierce competition, hoping to embark on the study of their choice. May they look to Jesus to guide them through this challenge.
Friday 24 – Vanuatu, PNG and Solomon Islands
Pray with Matt and Ellen Tyler that they settle in well to Bible translation training with Wycliffe/SIL, and that their kids would settle well into a new school/daycare. Pray with Joel and Tiffanie Atwood for a godly and organised group to lead the Langham preaching training nationally. Ask God to bring many students to himself at the National Uni this year. Pray with Keith and Marion Birchley for wisdom and grace, as they navigate the new year with new students and a new student exec. Ask God for training opportunities and teaching opportunities to open up. Pray with David Pettett for PhD holders and website designers to be willing to serve at the Bishop Patteson Bible college.
Saturday 25 – North Australia
Pray with Chris and Karen Webb that believers in the Broome community will be filled with joy because of the grace of the Lord Jesus. Thank God with Matt and Lisa Pearson for the privilege of working with believers at Emmanuel Church in evangelism and discipleship. Thank God with Josh and Steph McKenzie for students who attend Nungalinya college from Numbulwar. Pray they grow in their understanding and love of the gospel. Thank God with Zoe Creelman for the Ministry Development Team as they support each other in ministry amongst Aboriginal Christians in the NT. Pray with Matt and Kate Vinicombe that God would be with the whole family as they deal with the consequences of a car accident on Christmas Day. Pray with Geoff and Hannah Harper for Hannah, as she engages cross culturally with students at Nungalinya College. Pray that students will grow in Jesus.
Sunday 26 – North Australia
Thank God with Ian and Jenny Wood for the support of many in mission in Northern Australia. Pray that visits to churches will encourage support for gospel work worldwide. Pray with Derek and Rosemary Snibson for the Mission Interlink Darwin Indigenous Network (MIDIN), as they reflect this month on support of friends and communities that face challenging legal and justice issues. Pray with Simon and Claire Koefoed for successful recruitment of two administrative staff in the Anglican Diocese of Northern Territory office. Thank God with Co-mission Partners (Co-MPs) Mandy Manggurra, James Woods, and Marlene Andrews for continued opportunities to serve the Lord, and pray that they will know daily joy in his service.
Monday 27 – Chile, Bolivia and Peru
Pray with Malcolm and Ainsley Purdey for patience and thankfulness in the processing of visas, and that visas will be approved very quickly. Pray with Frances Cook for the Anglican seminary, CEP, and especially for Bishop Nelson Ojeda who is beginning as principal. Thank God with Chris and Stef Overhall for GBU’s national camp (11th-19th Feb) and pray that as a result students to come to know Christ more closely. Pray that GBU local groups are strengthened for the year ahead of mission and service on campuses throughout Chile. Pray with Nick and Kysha Davies as they continue to organise events for the year. Pray with Adrian and Anita Lovell for wise and good use of their time in Australia during a continuing period of adjustment and transition. Thank God with Co-Mission Partner Álex (and Karina) Córdova for healthy relationships with their fellow workers.
Tuesday 28 – Uruguay, Argentine and Ecuador
Thank God with Amy Stephens for the blessed year she has had in Australia and pray for a safe return trip to Argentina and a smooth transition back into life and ministry there. Pray with Martin and Julie Field for son Jacob as he kicks off at ‘The Bridge’ course at SMBC. Pray too for Julie as she also commences study at SMBC. Pray with Peter and Terry Blowes for new students to join their Bible reading groups on campus, and for creativity and effectiveness in promotion of the ministry. Pray too for plans for a local camp at the end of March. Thank God with Pedro and Joy Oliveira Woolmer for the faithful support of their link churches. Pray for joyful fellowship and mutual encouragement as they spend time with each church over the next few months. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Bryan and Sarah Haro Leon for good learning and thinking opportunities while they are SAH.